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Estimated MPG

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), also known as "sticker" price, is a recommended selling price that automakers give a new car that is above the invoice price paid by the dealer. It is a price that does not include any options that can be added to a particular car style. When shown as a range, the prices are starting MSRPs, without options, for multiple styles for that model.

This price range reflects for-sale prices on Cars.com for this particular make, model and year.

These city and highway gas mileage estimates are for the model's standard trim configurations. Where there are optional features, packages or equipment that result in higher gas mileage, those fuel-economy estimates are not included here.

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Consumer Reviews

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1-10 of 29 reviews

Impressively splendid!

by VW Fan from Maryland | June 10, 2014

Though I have only owned this car for less than a month, there is much to say. Beginning with the drive, which is so smooth and has an excellent turning radius. The exterior of the VW Passat is simple, yet classy. The all leather interior is gorgeous and comfortable if driving for less than an hour. The sound system and features are splendid and music can truly be appreciated in this car. All in all this is an excellent car to own.

Great Handling

by Volksy from Hopkinton, MA | September 7, 2011

I own a 2001 Passat 4Motion that now has over 170,000 miles and still runs great. The car is comfortable, quick, and has all the features you would want, but I've been most impressed by the AWD handling and its consequently excellent handling in the bad weather we often get in the Northeast. Rain, snow, ice - it just keeps going. The list price for a new one is a bit steep, but I got mine used - one owner, low miles, good CarFax report - and I've loved it ever since. One problem - they don't make Passat 4Motions any more.

Great car, Smooth ride

by Matt from San Diego | November 26, 2010

What I like:
This car drives handles very well and is a smooth ride. It has so many fun features including Tip-Tronic, heated seats, and power moon roof/sun roof. I lived in Colorado in the snow and this car handles really really well with All Wheel drive and anti-lock brakes. Very high safety rating with 6 front air bags.
What I didn't like:
Not great gas mileage 18 City, 24 HWY.
Uncomfortable seats if your driving longer than 30 minutes which I did a lot.

best car

by Buck from MN | August 22, 2010

Consumer Reports judged it the best family sedan of '01, noting that it was in the same class as the Audi A4 but thousands cheaper. It's been the best car I've ever owned, though maintenance costs have been higher than our Hondas over the years.

An utter waste of time and money

by Chandaniwala from Victorville, CA | July 9, 2010

I bought this car brand new in 2001, and drove it for 77,000 miles. During the four years I owned it, I had to replace the headlamp bulbs 7 times! The dealership just said it is known to happen. There were numerous other repairs as well. Even routine maintenance is expensive. I bought it without researching it, as I loved the styling. But that is the only thing going for this car. And, the 2.8 litre V6 is fast! I now have a Ford Mustang, and I urge all to buy American. I have never been happier. The maintenance costs are reasonable, and these days Fords are not as problem-prone as VWs. The Passat is a fun car to drive, but buy it only if money and time are plentiful!

Fun and safe!

by EngineTim from | May 19, 2010

One of the safest cars available during that year. Handling with the AWD is absolutely amazing! The V6 with the TipTronic transmission is fun, and quick. More options then you'll truly ever need in a vehicle, which adds that the car is a great value, not easy finding a car with AWD, Navigation, Leather heated seats etc. for under $10,000

Great Car - When it Works (and If You're Rich)

by Regretful VW Guy from Boston | January 28, 2010

"Entry Level" German engineering about sums it up. In other words, VW cut a lot of corners, usually in less-visible places (suspension, engine), that YOU, the buyer, will have to pony up for in the long run.
This vehicle has had all the "standard" VW issues, issues that NO self-respecting Toyonda driver would stomach, issues that EVERY VW owner chalks up to the cost of, well, "entry level German engineering."
Things Honda considers "catastrophic failure," VW considers "basic maintenance" (e.g., regular replacement of control arms, oils seals, etc.).
Also, everything you've heard about funky VW electronics is... true.
Everything you've heard about OUTRAGEOUS repair costs is also... true. Some might argue that Hoyota repairs are just as expensive and that my be; however, they are certainly not as FREQUENT. WE are talking ~$700 a pop, and that pop might as well be popcorn.
Definitely NOT a vehicle to keep to 100k miles (as I do).
Oh, the good: Interior materials are top notch. 110,000 miles and the interior (and, honestly, the exterior) looks close to new.
When working correctly, the thing handles like nothing else. Indeed, the dealer often calls the outrageous maintenance of this vehicle the "cost of that teutonic feel." Teutonic feel my left buttock: the new Honda Accord is fast closing in on that Teutonic feel, but somehow, magically, mixed with that Japanese quintessence: RELIABILITY.
Do yourself a favor: if you are a regular consumer of Japanese autos, AVOID VW. Only bug- and wrench-heads need apply.

Nice Car on the Outside, Rotten on the Inside

by RTF331 from Chicago, IL | July 11, 2009

The car has great external styling, comfort, performance, and handling as all German cars do. However, VW really dropped the ball for this model. The reliability is absolutely terrible. I'm sure part of the reason is that I bought it used and the previous owners did not maintain it, but there were problems that were completely inexcusable. Example: The sun roof drains always clog causing water buildup in the floor boards. The Transmission computer is located in the floor boards and consequently gets soaked causing a $2600 repair. DO NOT BUY this model. Buy a newer passat. I will never give my hard earned money to VW again.